From Reading to Amiens: The story behind Andy Carroll’s surprising transfer | OneFootball

Andy Carroll’s (35) transfer from Reading FC to Ligue 2 side Amiens SC during the summer transfer window was a surprising move for the English striker.

The forward had spent the entirety of his career playing for English clubs and a transfer at such a late stage to a completely unfamiliar environment looked to be a leftfield option.

Even Amiens seemed taken aback by his interest, with their sporting director, John Williams, stating: ‘I was looking for a striker. Then Reading pitched the player and I saw ‘Andy Carroll.’ I thought: ‘Oh, is there another Andy Carroll?’ But it was the real one. I thought, ‘There’s something wrong here.’’

However, Carroll was keen to face a unique challenge, as Williams continued, ‘The player was really enthusiastic to come to France. It was an easy deal to do, an easy negotiation.’

‘A Perfect Move’ for Carroll

The former England international has been a coup for the club, bringing greater attention to the northern side, while scoring three goals in sixteen appearances. Still, the real benefit of the player has been in his immense experience and his capacity to lead.

As Williams explained, ‘It was a massive asset for us… He has played so many games and has so much experience.’ The sporting director added, ‘On top of it, he’s a real leader. He’s helping our young players to develop. He’s a very positive guy in the changing room and on the pitch. So it was a perfect move for Amiens.’

This will be an aspect of the former Liverpool striker that will continue to be of importance for the rest of the season for Les Licornes. Despite sitting in 12th in the league, the club remain only four points away from the play-off spots, and a promotion campaign would be a fantastic return for one of the more surprising transfers of the past summer.

GFFN | Nick Hartland